From Pathogen to Protection: Modern Vaccination Technologies for Reducing Antibiotic Dependence in Animals

The global rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is closely tied to the widespread use of antibiotics in animal agriculture. This chapter presents vaccination as a scientifically robust, scalable, and sustainable strategy to reduce antibiotic reliance in livestock and aquaculture. It critically examines traditional and next-generation vaccine technologies, including mRNA, DNA, nanoparticle-based, and DIVA-compatible platforms across species such as cattle, poultry, swine, and fish. Emphasis is placed on immunological mechanisms, species-specific applications, and the integration of vaccination into biosecurity and herd health frameworks. Barriers to adoption ranging from economic constraints to cold chain limitations are analyzed alongside global and regional policy efforts. Case studies from South Asia and Southeast Asia illustrate real-world successes and challenges. The chapter underscores the need for coordinated One Health approaches that couple innovation with inclusive policy, veterinary extension, and surveillance systems to position vaccination as a cornerstone of AMR mitigation and sustainable animal health management.